Attendees gathered at Alviso Venue
The following is an excerpt from 02/16/26 CPM News:
Against the historic backdrop of Alviso, Compass Point Mentorship (CPM) hosted over 60 community members today for a vibrant celebration honoring the enduring legacy of Thomas Foon Chew. The event recognized Chew’s transformative impact on California’s agricultural industry and his deep roots within the Chinese American community.
The celebration serves as a precursor to the official city holiday on February 24, a date formally proclaimed by the City of San Jose as Thomas Foon Chew Day.
A Living Legacy: Personal Reflections
The afternoon was anchored by a keynote address from Gloria Hom, granddaughter of Thomas Foon Chew. Hom shared stories of her grandfather’s resilience and entrepreneurial genius—he was once the wealthiest Chinese American in the country—offering a rare, intergenerational look at the man behind the "Bayside Cannery" empire.
The event drew significant support from regional leaders, including Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee and Valley Water Director Richard Santos. Both representatives spoke with attendees about the importance of honoring Alviso’s cultural landmarks and the pioneers who built the region’s foundations.
Joining them was community advocate Grant Han, a driving force behind the city’s official proclamation. Han spoke to the necessity of civic recognition, noting that preserving the stories of leaders like Chew is essential to understanding the full tapestry of San Jose’s history.
Read the full CPM news article: Community Honors the "Asparagus King"
Chinese Historical & Cultural Project